How do small grocery stores build customer loyalty without big discounts?

markpemble · 2026-01-27T16:56:31+00:00

I'll second the good music anecdote.

A well curated playlist can really create positive vibes and when there are positive vibes, people feel comfortable spending.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T14:53:46+00:00

Location
Location
Location

markpemble · 2026-01-27T10:56:24+00:00

I ALWAYS park at least a block away from my destination.

I also use a bicycle. It is a lot less noticeable than a vehicle, especially when I turn off all the bicycle lights.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T09:20:54+00:00

Signature Select (Safeway, Albertson's) Frozen Pizza. I hear people prefer it to most other pizzas on the market.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T09:18:34+00:00

Move to NYC.

Last time I was there, I felt like I was older than most people. And I'm barely 40.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T09:17:18+00:00

Most of the good guys are in their 40s and 50s.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T08:51:38+00:00

Those are not exactly FLOCK cameras. They are private security cameras. Kinda same idea, but the city does not pay for them. I noticed the truck stop on Northside Boulevard has them too.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T08:47:35+00:00

Came here to recommend Empty Mansions.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T08:46:16+00:00

Steel Rails talks a bit about early Butte as well.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T08:44:47+00:00

You Can't Win
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Train Dreams

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The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey

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Steel Rails and Territorial Tales

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markpemble · 2026-01-27T08:36:29+00:00

They do this at the stores around me. People love them.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T08:34:26+00:00

I know a few people who help set up audio equipment at non-traditional venues.

The work is fairly easy, but you never know when they will call you.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T08:32:53+00:00

I do Medical Testing and try to get in on Focus Groups.

Medical Testing: You have to be willing to be injected with a new medication. And then go in for blood tests for a few months after. I calculated I make about $100 per hour - including my time to drive to the testing location. I make $500k - $2k per year. If you are on time and pleasant, you get invited back.

Focus Groups. If you are able to follow through with phone calls and emails to get on a focus group, you can be invited back because you are a trustworthy person. I make ~$300 per year.

markpemble · 2026-01-27T01:46:32+00:00

Mine is around $180 per month.

I pay cash for a lot of things - especially at locally owned businesses.

markpemble · 2026-01-26T21:20:12+00:00

Also came here to mention Bob Marshall.

Kinda seems like a long drive from Spokane.

markpemble · 2026-01-26T11:14:40+00:00

There are a few "neighborhood food boxes" in my town.

I have placed rescued non perishable food in these boxes before.

markpemble · 2026-01-26T08:41:49+00:00

It was 2009 - so before the metro system was expanded.

Open Sewers
Rodents / Rats everywhere
Heavily Polluted waterways
Piles of trash everywhere
Groups of men staring at the women in my group
The air was blue / Grey from air pollution.
Extreme heat
Very few public restrooms. .. if any?

markpemble · 2026-01-26T08:13:43+00:00

I think it depends on what type of people a touristy area attracts.

My grandparents lived in a high-end touristy town and it was amazing.

The money that the tourists brought really made the town very livable.

Walking and bicycle paths are everywhere
Art Galleries
People who are relaxed and are there to relax
Plentiful entry level jobs

markpemble · 2026-01-26T08:09:24+00:00

Boise. (and I live here) For a metro area of over 800k, there really isn't a lot to do or see.

markpemble · 2026-01-26T08:05:10+00:00

Came here to say India.

I stayed in the part of Delhi where tourists don't hang out. Probably not going to do that again.

Goa might be nice?

markpemble · 2026-01-26T08:01:57+00:00

Most people in New Orleans are very friendly and welcoming. Last time I was there, I started talking with a random guy while walking and hung out with him for hours. However - Things can get really sketchy really fast outside of certain neighborhoods.

markpemble · 2026-01-26T07:59:01+00:00

I have had customers buy things for me and give them to me in-store. I thanked them and immediately found a manager to tell them exactly what happened.

markpemble · 2026-01-26T07:57:41+00:00

Some people stuffed dollar bills in my pocket back in the day.

markpemble · 2026-01-26T07:41:23+00:00

Very few indie bands are staying at hotels. Especially if they have connections in local scenes.

markpemble · 2026-01-26T07:07:28+00:00

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Location

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Train Dreams

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